Bachmann Slam

[C855B]

I thought it was the Kato SD45 that had the hood width problems?

Yes, Kato, but the Bachmann model isn't innocent there, either. However, IMO the Bachmann model's biggest offense is the radiator section proportions, the radiator being the signature feature of the '45. It's just wrong, and screws the overall perception.

[wazzou]

ya know . . .
Having seen the new version of B'Mann SD45 on RL Smith's layout . . . I'm coming around.  They ran well, sounded good, and honestly, the hood width issues are not really noticeable.  Is it brass, or even Kato?  Not yet, but the strides are in the correct direction.

Isn't this more of a Bachmann steam thread though?

[C855B]

I perceive it as a B'mann quality and support discussion, i.e., quality is "spotty" and support (parts especially) is "nonexistent", the gist of the OP's gripes.

I can't slam too hard, as I must have over two dozen B'mann locos. They have hit some home runs in my book, and I strongly support them whenever they have done so.

[mmagliaro]

I have come to call Bachmann locomotives "kits".  The parts are there but they may need to be reassembled and tweeked.  With that as an assumption going in my level of disappointment is lowered when it doesn't run properly out of the box.  I think there was a day when the components were suspect but these days, the basic components seem to be OK but the assembly?  It's a shame.  So much so right but ready to run is a crap shoot and most of what I find is actually very minor, mostly assembly issues, making the existence of the problem almost inexcusable.  That's based on about ten Bachmann locos, mostly steam, and only three of them running well as delivered.  The rest are running well but only after some fixing.

I completely agree with this.  I don't buy Bachmann steam in general because they are now pricing the engines in the $250+ range for street prices and they are loading them up with sound and DCC that I don't want.  But I do have some older Spectrum 2-8-0's that have really good bones and will make excellent kitbashing fodder.  I also buy parts from their website regularly for steam projects.

Still... when I think about a new project, I look for a suitable Kato chassis first because the design and manufacture of their parts is so much better.  It isn't just the assembly.  A good example is the Kato tender or caboose truck.  Bachmann makes trucks with the axle-point pickup scheme, but the metal in the pickup strips isn't nearly as good, the cone depressions aren't nearly as smooth and clean, and there are often problems with them binding after you properly spread/gauge the wheelsets.  So I use them only if I can't get the Kato ones.

[Norway2112]

Am I the only one still struggling to imagine how a 2-8-8-4 EM-1 can be kitbashed or otherwise made into a 4-8-4 GS-1? These two engines have almost nothing in common.  Different style and diameter drivers. The Spectrum J class would be a much better platform.  In fact that's what Jason used to build his GS-1's on.

[carlso]

[mmagliaro]

Carl,
So is this whole thread just a "test" to see if people read carefully?  Or do you really dislike Bachmann engines?

[Missaberoad]

Being that my interests lie with other railroads rather then Southern Pacific, I don't think its a fair test to how closely I read. 

I am still curious however, what QC issues have you found with Atlas? I know it was only one statement but I would like to know?

[peteski]

Norway,

Good one, you finally caught my mistake. I should have said the EM-1 was for a second AC-9 bash. I also have the Jason GS-1 and the J class for that project. Sorry I confused the issue but I thought I would see how well people are reading threads before going off on tangents. I think I know the answer now.

Carl

That is a funny way of doing things Carl.  I know almost nothing about SP steam engines (not my roadname or area of interest), but I know quite a bit about Bachmann models.  You slammed a Bachmann steam engine (regardless of which model it was) and people responded with their stories or opinions about Bachmann - then the extended discussion ensued  (as it happens in online forums).   Now you come out to say that this was all a rouse?!  Come on Carl, really?    Or are you just trying to save face for the error in the original post?  It makes no difference which steam engine you are trying to kitbash - the main point of this thread is to solicit opinions about Bachmann's product quality,wasn't it?

[coosvalley]

Sorry I confused the issue but I thought I would see how well people are reading threads before going off on tangents. I think I know the answer now.

Carl

 

[squirrelhunter]

I thought he meant GS-6 this whole time and mistyped GS-1, since the GS-6 had disc drivers and the GS-1 had spoked drivers...

[wazzou]

Sort of implying that we're all idiots is pretty idiotic. 

[Dave V]

What do you plan to do with your information about whether people read carefully or not?

[delamaize]

This entire thread hurts my brain.

 

[carlso]

By no means did I intend to imply that all are idiots, after all I am the biggest idiot in the end. I have enjoyed nearly 4 years of reading TRW and have learned a great deal from many talented people. I guess I am like Trump, my mouth runs before brain kicks in. So, at this point all I can say is, I apologize to the Forum and to those who responded to my thread. It shall not happen again.

Carl